Aberdeen supporters will travel from all parts of the globe to Hampden Park next weekend for the chance to watch the Dons take on Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
Bur few of the Red Army will be journeying further than 44-year-old Ally Begg, who is flying back to Scotland from Doha in Qatar, where he now works as a TV sports producer.
The Aberdonian might be a long way from the Northern Lights, but absence has only strengthened his affection for the Pittodrie club.
And, as somebody who once performed with the 1990s hit-making group, Bad Boys Inc, he knows all about success and failure and getting excited after entering the big stage.
Begg realises Celtic will be overwhelming favourites to wrap up a domestic treble, but he still hopes Derek McInnes’ side will spring a surprise and bring the Scottish Cup back to Aberdeen for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.
He said: “It’s a one-off game, so anything can happen. They deserve to be there and they deserve another chance to atone for what was a very disappointing League Cup final, where they simply didn’t turn up [ and lost 3-0 to Celtic].
“I think it’s very important the boys aren’t overawed by their opponents or the occasion. Personally, I want them all to embrace it, to be in a position to take it all in, and enjoy the day.
“To beat Celtic, we must be at our very best, and all the lads have to be at the top of their game, but, most importantly, we have to be defensively sound.
“The worst thing would be to lose an early goal; we must remain tight for the opening 20 minutes and not allow Celtic any psychological advantage.
“If we get Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes running at them, and getting early balls into the box, I think we can offer them a real test and they can go out and offer 100%. The pressure won’t be on them.”
It will be an emotional experience for Begg, even before a ball has been kicked. This is the first time he has been at a major Dons occasion without the presence of his late father, John.
And it’s clear that he still misses his dad to bits. As he said: “All the finals we attended growing up were at Hampden, so to be there without him will be a tad emotional.
“But there again, the day will be the perfect opportunity for my brother, Peter, and I to remember him and the great days we had at the stadium, watching teams from bygone days winning trophies and doing their city proud.
“My dad had such a huge influence on my life. And I’ve almost tried to be him as I have got older and matured. He was always one for facing life with humour and good spirit, and he was rarely fazed by anyone or anything.
“If we find ourselves in a situation like the 2014 League Cup final, where we need a penalty to win the game, I think a wee look at the heavens will be in order and I hope he will be listening.”
Whatever happens, Begg will remain an ebullient character. He is one of the most engaging characters it would be possible to imagine.
Yet, despite some whispers of it from certain places, he confirmed there will be NO reunion of Bad Boys Inc.
As he added: “Believe it or not, I received a message from a tour operator, only a few weeks ago, asking me if I would be interested in asking the boys to reform and go on a mini-tour.
“I have been asked the same question many times and I can categorically say there is more chance of me becoming a Rangers fan than the band ever reforming.
“These days have gone, I was extremely fortunate to have experienced it, and I have very fond memories.
“But I have worked too hard for too long to try and gain any ounce of credibility to throw it away for a desperate attempt at having my 15 minutes again.
“And, to be honest, I’m sure your readers will be quietly relieved.”